A. K. Srivastava*, P. K. Kar, M. K. Sinha, & B. C. Prasad
Silkworm Breeding and Genetics Division
Central Tasar Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Piska Nagri, Ranchi -835 303, Jharkhand, India
Received 7th July, 2010; Revised 19th August, 2010
Abstract : Frequency of colour variation was recorded in Daba ecorace of Antheraea mylitta Drury to relate the moth colour, fecundity and hatching. Observations revealed that yellow moths laid more number of eggs (205 ± 18) with highest hatching (86.54 ± 5.66%) than other coloured moths. The relationship of fecundity and hatching was ascertained in different coloured moth using correlation and regression analysis. In the yellow moths, highly significant correlation (r = 0.885, p < 0.001) followed by grey moths (r = 0.867, p < 0.001) was recorded while the correlation in brown moths was not significant. Results indicated that moths having yellow colour can enhance grainage efficiency of tasar, thus they may be selected in all seed and breeding programme.